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Medals of Freedom

President Obama handed out 21 Medals of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for the very last time. Personally selected by Obama himself, the medals are presented to individuals who have contributed to “the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” Among the recipients to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom was none other than the G.O.A.T., Michael Jordan. Before giving the award to Jordan, President Barack Obama shared a few words, made jokes about the “Crying Jordan” meme, and once again reminded us why he will be missed when he leaves the White House.

Joining Jordan among the field of sports were Vin Scully and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The 2016 recipients also included Tom Hanks, Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Bill and Melinda Gates, Bruce Springsteen, Lorne Michaels, and more.